The U.S. Department of Commerce’s Minority Business Development Agency recognized Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in May.
The Agency hosted the National AANHPI Business Summit May 17 in Washington, D.C., according to a May 11 blog post. The event was expected to attract more than 400 small business owners and entrepreneurs interested in learning more about opportunities available to them.
“Asian American, Pacific Islander and Native Hawaiian-owned businesses are essential to the fabric of our communities and our nation’s economy,” Under Secretary of Commerce for Minority Business Development Donald Cravins Jr. said in the blog. “This Business Summit gives our AANHPI businesses the opportunity to meet with MBDA, our administration partners and private sector allies to discuss what matters most: their businesses and communities."
Additionally, during the summit, MBDA and the National Asian/Pacific Islander American Chamber of Commerce and Entrepreneurship signed a memorandum of understanding which will focus on expanding opportunities for Pacific Islander, Native Hawaiian and Asian American businesses, the release reported.
The summit will celebrate the contributions and achievements of the AANHPI business community, according to the release. The summit featured elected officials, dignitaries and corporate partners to discuss access to technology and capital, as well as opportunities within the CHIPS and Science Act.
"The Department of Commerce is making historic investments in our nation’s small, mid-size and minority businesses through initiatives like the CHIPS for America Program and the Capital Readiness Program," Cravins said in the release. "MBDA will make sure our AANHPI-owned businesses have what they need to secure these once-in-a-generation opportunities.”
The event was hosted by Cravins and newly appointed Deputy Under Secretary Jessica G. Cavazos, the release reported. Other attendees include Congresswoman Judy Chu, Deputy Treasury Secretary Wally Adeyemo and Deputy Commerce Secretary Don Graves. Former Secretary Norman Y. Mineta also attended with a special announcement.
